Andrew V. Edwards is an author, technologist, and speaker residing in New York’s Hudson Valley.
He is the author of Digital is Destroying Everything (Rowman & Littlefield, 2015, 2018) which was translated into Chinese and Turkish. His 2nd book, Army of Liars was published September 3rd, 2024.
Andrew has also written dozens of articles about digital analytics for ClickZ, the world’s largest online source of marketing advice and information.
With the rise of social media disinformation threats, Andrew founded Verity7 to deliver anti-disinformation training and consulting.
Andrew is a Co-founder and Director Emeritus of the Digital Analytics Association. Since 2004, the DAA has been the world’s largest organization devoted to the study of online customer behavior. In the early 1990s, Andrew founded and ran Renaissance Multimedia, one of the first interactive agencies in New York City. He went on to found Technology Leaders, one of the first consulting companies devoted to digital analytics.
Click here for Andrew’s Substack: Digital Disinformation & Beyond and his LinkedIn newsletter: Truth in Media.
Andrew is also a painter, click here for some of his work.
Testimonials
Disinformation is rampant in our society, and a threat to our democracy. In his presentation Andrew explained in very clear terms why that is how we can help to combat it. We often hear about the algorithms that drive what we see online, but few of us really understand how social media works. Andrew was able to explain the technical and economic reasons for the spread of disinformation to a lay audience and in doing so raise awareness so that we better evaluate what we are reading online.
Tamara Gaskell, Director
Roeliff Jansen Community Library
Andrew Edwards gave a presentation at the Hyde Park Library the evening of Aug. 5. Though attendance at our speaker events can be relatively scarce, Andrew packed our programming room to capacity. His specialized knowledge in the area of social media and the history behind it lent credence to his discussion of the dis- and misinformation propagated online and the actual and potential harm it’s doing to society. I found the presentation fascinating and enlightening, and I know from speaking to many attendees following the program that they did, as well.
Lisa Palmer, Director
Hyde Park Library
We were thrilled to host Andrew’s presentation on this very critical topic, one that is long overdue for our society to tackle. He has a talent for being able to explain a very complex issue in terms that people unfamiliar with the inner workings of social media and algorithms can understand and see the threat they pose to our communities. I would highly recommend this presentation to any institution that values having integrity in the world of information.
Brian James, Access & Patron Services Librarian
Kingston Library
Andrew’s presentation on disinformation in social media was well-researched and engaging. It stressed the importance of critical thinking and provided insightful context for this very timely topic. Overall, our patrons were appreciative of the information from the presentation.
Krista Miller, Adult Services, Reference, and Programming Librarian
Poughkeepsie Public Library
Andrew provided an engaging and informative presentation on disinformation and the perils of social media. He uses his expertise to raise awareness around disinformation and the importance of fact-checking in an environment increasingly driven by AI, bots, and algorithms. He not only offers explanations and context for how disinformation has become so rampant, but also the opportunities, both global and local, for addressing the problem. I heartily recommend Andrew’s program for anyone looking to understand disinformation and feel more empowered to combat it.
Katherine O’Neil, Director
Lenox Library
Andrew Edwards presented at Clinton Community Library in September 2024. His presentation on disinformation and social media introduced a very important subject to our community. He communicated the ever increasing need of understanding and deciphering the media we consume online. His knowledge on the subject is clear and patrons expressed their appreciation in learning more about how to combat disinformation.
Leah Arnold, Programming Coordinator
Clinton Community Library
Andrew’s presentation is an informative, big-picture overview of our current social media landscape. His understanding of current policy and platforms is nuanced and engaging to viewers. Combined with his recommendations for navigating facts on social media, Andrew’s presentation leaves viewers with a more complex–and truthful–view of the digital world we inhabit.
Priya Charry, Head of Adult Services
Forbes Library, Northampton, MA
Thank you for presenting a program on Disinformation in Social Media to our patrons. They enjoyed the presentation and felt that Andrew was very knowledgeable. They thought he was a very good presenter. Here are some further comments from those attending:
– “It was an important topic because there is so much information and it is very divisive.”
– “The presenter provided resources to check on misinformation.”
– A patron appreciated that the presenter gave information on “aspects of social media vs. printed media.”
– Andrew “explained algorithms and gave clear explanations.”One patron mentioned that this was an important topic because people don’t understand Freedom of Speech.
The audience enjoyed the active Q & A. The presenter answered the questions well. We ordered the book based on patron requests after the presentation.
Michelle Di Giovanni
Lee Library Association
Andrew’s presentation on identifying disinformation and Section 230 is incredibly eye opening and sobering. It’s a not to miss event!
Jessica Laddin, Community Coordinator
The Spark of Hudson